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Discover the latest online threats and cyber security updates impacting US businesses and consumers, informed by F-Secure threat intelligence experts.
Overview:
This month’s F-Alert unpacks the latest online scam threats—ranging from ‘unpaid toll’ phishing messages to claims of AI agents being weaponized for scams.
We also examine the uncertain future of US consumer protections, including the restructuring of key federal agencies responsible for safeguarding against scams.
Other highlights include a viral AI art trend inspired by Studio Ghibli that quickly became a privacy nightmare, and what 23andMe’s bankruptcy could mean for the future of consumers’ genetic data.
The Future of US Consumer Protections May Be at Risk
The newly elected US presidential administration has initiated a sweeping restructuring of federal agencies—including those vital to consumer safety and scam protection. The overhaul could have serious implications for the future of consumer safeguards and efforts to hold scammers accountable. Dr Megan Squire, Threat Intelligence Researcher at F-Secure, takes a closer look at what’s at stake.
AI Studio Ghibli Art Trend Becomes a Privacy Nightmare
A viral trend that transforms personal photos into Studio Ghibli-style art using AI tools is gaining momentum—but it comes with privacy risks. Many platforms ask users to upload images without clearly explaining how the data will be used. Behind the fun lies a lack of transparency, raising concerns about privacy, data storage, and image reuse. F-Secure Researcher Apramey Bhat breaks down the key facts.
23andMe Bankruptcy: What Happens to Genetic Data?
Genetic testing company 23andMe filed for bankruptcy on March 23, raising urgent questions about the fate of the vast trove of genetic and health-related data it has collected. Privacy concerns deepened after a US judge ruled that the company could sell this highly sensitive data as part of the bankruptcy proceedings. F-Secure Threat Advisor Joel Latto examines what this means for users of the platform.
Are ‘AI Scam Agents’ the Next Big Threat to Consumers?
So-called ‘AI agents’—autonomous systems capable of carrying out complex tasks for users or other systems—have become the latest focus of AI hype. While some misleading claims suggest scammers are already using these tools, we’ve found no real-world evidence to support that. So, what’s the reality of AI’s potential for misuse? Laura Kankaala, Head of Threat Intelligence at F-Secure, investigates.
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